According to the Vehicle Maintenance Council 4 out of 5 cars need maintenance, such as the items listed below. Is your car one of them? If so, don't wait too long to get it repaired. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones could depend on it!

• WORN BRAKE PARTS. Postponing needed brake service, in addition to being a safety hazard, can escalate the cost of a brake system repair.

  If your brakes squeak, grind, pulsate or if the pedal is too low get them checked right away! Neglecting these brake symptoms is like playing Russian Roulette!

• WORN WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES. Don't wait for a rainy day, or worse, a snowy day to replace worn blades.
• BURNED OUT LIGHTS. Can you see and be seen? Check all your lights regularly to be sure. Besides, a burned out light is like displaying an invitation for the police to pull you over!
• CLOGGED FILTERS. Scheduled replacement of air, oil, gas, fuel, transmission and other filters extend car life and improve performance. This is a "no brainer!"
• WORN SPARK PLUGS. Worn plugs waste gas and increase exhaust emissions. They also cause the engine to run poorly.
• CORRODED BATTERY CABLES. Corroded cables and a weak battery cause starting trouble. Have your battery and your charging system checked if the engine turns over slowly. Don't wait until you get stuck in the middle of nowhere on some dark night!
• GLAZED BELTS, ROTTEN HOSES. A slipping belt can affect engine cooling, alternator, power steering, and your air conditioner. Replace worn belts before they let you down. If your belt breaks your car will be out of commission!

  Brittle or rotten cooling system hoses can lead to overheating. Others, such as vacuum and power steering hoses, hinder performance and safety.

• NEGLECTED COOLING SYSTEM. Periodic servicing of the cooling system helps prevent deterioration of radiator or heater core. It's no fun when your car overheats!
• LEAKING SHOCK ABSORBERS AND STRUTS. Worn shocks or struts affect ride control and shorten tire life.
• DAMAGED CV JOINT BOOTS. These rubber boots protect the critical CV joints that deliver power to your wheels. They should be inspected regularly and replaced as needed.
• LEAKING MUFFLER. Have your car put on a lift occasionally to check the muffler and other parts of the exhaust system. Besides being noisy a leaking exhaust can cause carbon monixide gases to enter the passenger compartment of your car.
• WORN TIRES. Worn tires are dangerous. Proper inflation, alignment and balance will extend tire life, keep you safe and save you money.